Maserati is replacing the GranTurismo and GranCabrio with three models called the GranTurismo, GranCabrio, and Gran Sport, and it's that last model we find most intriguing. We asked Maserati CEO Harald Wester about the new model to get a better idea of what to expect from the potential 911 and F-Type fighter.

Wester told us that the current GranCabrio is too big."The four-seat GranCabrio is in segment where even the biggest-selling competitor sells just 2000 a year maximum." He points out that smaller cars sell better. "We need a smaller sports car." He implies that this will be sold not just as a convertible – the new GranCabrio – but as a Gran Sport hardtop too. The GranCabrio Sport is pictured at right; the GranTurismo Sport is shown above.

The design of the new, smaller cars isn't fixed yet as the launch is still three years away, a source tells us. But we hear they will be front engined, and the coupe in particular will be more sporting and lighter than anything Maserati makes now. Overall length should be around 177 inches. For comparison, a new Corvette is also 177 inches, while the current GranCabrio and GranTurismo are 192.2 inches long.Read more about the GranTurismo: 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport First TestThe upcoming, lighter-weight Maseratis will use a considerably shortened version of the platform of the new Quattroporte and Ghibli. Powered by the new 404-hp twin-turbo V-6 that puts out 406 lb-ft of torque, performance should be strong. A senior engineer tells us the car won't have to use the eight-speed automatic; instead it will offer a front-mounted dual-clutch transmission.The Gran Sport's entry price will be similar to that of the Quattroporte V-6. Remember, the platform also accommodates for the V-8 engine, and indeed for all-wheel-drive with the eight-speed auto. But we have had no official confirmation that they're planned for the Gran Sport and GranCabrio.A bigger four-seat sports coupe, again off the same basic mechanicals, could then slot in above these two as a direct replacement for the current GranTurismo.The Maserati GranTurismo Sport is pictured below with the GranCabrio Sport and GranTurismo MC Stradale four-seater.